Biography

Sean (he/they) is very excited to join the AVS team for the 2023-24 school year. They come to AVS with over 15 years of experience as a Learning Specialist and in roles that have supported very diverse groups of Bay Area adolescents and their families with a wide range of learning, social, emotional, and behavioral needs. As the Middle School Counselor, he firmly believes that these needs, which are often traditionally viewed as “disorders” or “deficits,” are actually strengths that can be cultivated in ways that bolster a child’s self-esteem, emotional well-being, social interactions, participation, and learning. Sean’s dedication to assisting these exceptional folks has led to pursuing their Marriage and Family Therapist license, for which he is currently a Trainee.

 

Sean was born in Germany and also raised in Belgium, New Zealand, and Japan. They moved to the U.S. at the age of 10 and lived in Michigan, Minnesota, and Southern California. These experiences have formed his ability to connect with others and help them feel heard, understood, and cared for. As a member of the LGTBQIA+ community, Sean welcomes differences of all kinds with an open mind and heart. In their spare time, Sean loves cross-country road trips in his van, hikes along the cliffs in Pacifica, and reading the latest copy of The Atlantic.